Like his twin brother, Edward, George Ede played occasionally for Hampshire as a batsman, but his real sporting fame came as a jockey and for several years he was the leading amateur rider. His greatest success came in 1868 when he won the Grand National on The Lamb despite suffering serious injuries in a fall a few months earlier. He had just completed the 1870 National when he was persuaded to take a ride on a horse called Chippenham the following day. A close friend advised him against accepting a mount many others had refused, warning: "Don't ride the brute George, he'll kill you". At the fence now known as The Chair, Chippenham fell and crushed Ede as it attempted to stand up. He died without regaining consciousness three days later. Cricinfo staff